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Theremin
Theremin
Author: bobdoleorama | 
A what amin? A Theremin. Thear. ah. minh. Theremin. One of the most recently developed musical instruments in the long history of music within the species, the Theremin is an entirely electronic instrument that utilizes a sensor to cause changes in circuitry which results in the alteration of a signal being generated in the internal component of the device. Requiring a power source and amplification, plus a skilled operator, a Theremin is an almost alien sounding, ethereal instrument that was also known as the Aetherphone.
History:
Invented by a genius Russian tinkerer, and patented in 1928, the Theremin is reasonably easy to construct with a small amount of electrical know how. When wired up with a 6.5mm jack, the Theremin can be incorporated into most modern musical systems, being plugged straight into the mixing desk, or through a preamplifier.
How to play:
It works by sensing the position of the players’ hands over each section of the device, with one hand affecting frequency of sound, while the other affects volume. With careful manipulation of the shape and position of ones hands, extremely complex rhythms can be evolved in a short space of time. It is similar to playing a drum, but there is no skin to slap. Moving the hands in the correct way creates the beat and the melody, which can be of an almost ghostly quality.
Connect it to a computer:
Theremins are now being produced that are little more than small form factor boxes with an on button and an LED light indicating power on status. They can be connected to a computer via USB if a USB version has been plugged into a computer with the right software. Combination of the Theremin with an electronic drum kit, or a NORD synthesizer can make for amazing musical creations.
Famous Composers:
There are many modern players of the Theremin, playing music composed from Leon Theremin himself, and also pieces composed by Percy Grainger, Christian Wolff and Vladimir Komarov. If Soviet Russia was to make any impact upon the musical world, the Theremin was that impact. A true statement of abstract humanity, evolved in a land of snow, ice and industrial growth through the nuclear age.
Extraterrestrial sound:
If you are having trouble visualizing the sound of the Theremin, imagine the sound that a Sputnik space craft would make as it soared through the galaxy on the backs of the Solar Winds, cruising past the moons of Jupiter on a day trip to Saturn. Along comes a UFO to scan it for some interesting reason that UFO's are always scanning things for and the sound of the communication that the confused and slightly embarrassed little Russian satellite has with the UFO is the sound of the Theremin.